Revolution announces 2010-11 youth squads

July 17, 2010

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution has announced the rosters for the 2010-11 Under-16 and Under-18 youth teams, as selected by the youth development coaching staff during regional try-outs in June and July.

Coming off the 2009-10 season which saw both teams qualify for the U.S. Soccer Development Academy playoffs for the first time in the program’s brief two-year history, the upcoming year’s squads are highlighted by multiple returning players, including eight members of the Under-18 team and one member of the Under-16 team who are entering their third year in the Revs’ youth system.

“This year’s tryouts were very successful and we had more than 300 players come out,” Revolution Director of Youth Development Karl Edmonds said. “After a very successful 2009-10 season, our players have had the experience of qualifying for the playoffs. Now our goal is to take the next step and advance to the national finals.”

In total, 45 players from the New England region were selected for the Revolution’s youth squads, 22 for the Under-18 team and 23 for the Under-16 team. Edmonds and his staff added 22 new players, including 15 at the U16 age group and seven at the U18 level.

“The tryouts were extremely successful, with many talented players showing,” Edmonds said. “We believe both of next year’s teams have the balance needed to have depth at each position, and perfect numbers in each squad to ensure a competitive environment at training.”

In late May, both of the Revolution youth squads earned berths in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy playoffs, which were played in late June. The Under-16 team narrowly missed advancing to the national finals through a tie-breaker.

“Our players’ attitudes were exemplary last year, on and off the field,” Edmonds said. “We have created a professional environment for our players to develop, and we plan on that continuing in 2010. We have the character and ability to challenge for a place at the national finals next summer.”

Entering its third season, the Revolution’s youth program is the only fully-funded youth program in New England, and competes in the prestigious U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Qualified and talented players will be accepted into the Revolution’s youth program without regard to their financial situation. All players’ needs and expenses related to soccer activities – training, facilities, equipment, uniforms, travel associated with competitions – are provided by the Revolution at no cost to the players or their families.

Players born January 1, 1994 or after are eligible for the Under-16 team, while players eligible for the Under-18 team were born on January 1, 1992 or after.